Paris Attack: Manhunt Underway as Support Pours in for France
Live updates of the aftermath of the terrorist attack in Paris.
Manhunt Underway
French authorities have launched a manhunt for the possible accomplices of the eight assailants who terrorized Paris concert-goers, cafe diners and soccer fans with a coordinated string of suicide bombings and shootings in what could be the deadliest peacetime attack on French soil.
Support has been pouring in for France from all around the world across social media platforms and from world leaders.
Latest Updates About Attackers
As per latest update Reuters says that the holder of Syrian passport found at the scene of the Paris attack passed through Greece in October.
ANI reports quoting AFP say that the French national arrested at Gatwick airport in London was carrying a gun.
Air France Flight Grounded in Amsterdam
An Air France flight #AF1741 en route Paris has been grounded at Amsterdam’s Schipol Airport after threats were issued on Twitter, reports Reuters.
The area around the aircraft has been closed along with the panaroma deck of the airport. All passangers have been evacuated and search operations are underway inside the aircraft.
One Attacker Identified as French National: CNN
A CNN affiliate BFM-TV reports that one of the Paris attackers has been identified as a French national known to the authorities.
Swaraj Writes to French Foreign Minister
One Arrested at Gatwick Airport
One person has been arrested at the Gatwick Airport in West Sussex, near London in relation to the attack in Paris, according to Reuters.
As a precautionary measure, the North terminal of the airport was evacuated earlier on Saturday after a suspicious package was found in the premises.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in London, will travel to Turkey this evening.
The Iconic Eiffel Tower to Remain Closed
The lights on the Eiffel tower have been shut down in honour of the victims of the terrorist attack, according to a report by a French news organisation, Le Monde.
A world heritage, and one of the seven wonders of the world, the tower will remain closed until further notice to respect the death of 127 people in its mother city.
Manhunt for the Perpetrators of the Paris Attack
The Paris police has found a Syrian passport on the dead-body of one of the suicide bombers outside the Paris stadium.
It’s been over 12 hours since the attacks began. What’s the status of investigations? The Associated Press is reporting that the first arrest has been made, even though the police has not confirmed the arrest.
Earlier, French President Francois Hollande had promised to be ‘merciless’ in tracking the attackers and planners of the deadly terror attack in Paris, but at this point, investigators will want to reveal little.
The top focus of the investigators will continue to be to track down any potential accomplices.
The Guardian reports that at the top of the list of suspects would be Islamic State (ISIS). Other suspects would include Al Qaeda and local actors in France.
The lead story in The New York Times states, “American and European counter-terrorism officials were reviewing wire taps and other electronic surveillance records but a senior American security official said there was no immediate indication that there had been suspicious chatter or other warning signs before the attack.”
Role of ISIS in Paris Attack
The Islamic State (ISIS) has claimed responsibility for the terror attacks in Paris on November 13, calling it a design to show France that it will remain a top target as long as it continues with its current policies.
France, which is an ally to the United States of America (USA), has been active in the anti-ISIS strikes in the terror group’s territories – Syria and Iraq.
The President of Syria, Bashar al-Assad, calling the attacka aresult of the French policy in Syria, said that the western support of insurgent in Syria fuelled “expansion of terror” abroad.
Earlier, French President Francois Hollande blamed ISIS for the horrific attack, calling it an ‘act of war’.
Pope Francis Condemns the Horrific Attack
Along with the leaders of various countries, the Vatican and Pope Francis have condemned the attack on the capital city of France.
He said he will be praying for the victims, their families and all the French people.
Over 120 people have been killed in the attacks so far. Officials say the death toll may rise.
Various world leaders have offered support and condolence to the victims of the attack. The Quint brings you live updates of the effect of the attack from around the word.
Find our previous updates here.
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)